1. Einleitung
The ESAB Buddy Tig 160 is a versatile inverter power source designed for both TIG welding with High Frequency (HF) start and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (MMA) with coated electrodes. This machine is engineered for ease of use, making it suitable for both experienced professionals and less experienced users. Weighing only 6 kg, it is lightweight, reliable, and durable, featuring protection against overheating and power supply variations. It is also suitable for use with power generators.
Zu den Hauptmerkmalen gehören:
- HF TIG Function: Provides excellent arc initiation without contaminating the workpiece.
- MMA-Schweißen: Capable of welding with electrodes up to 3.25mm, suitable for various materials.
- HotStart and ArcForce: Automatically adjusted functions for enhanced arc stability from start to finish.
- Kompakt und tragbar: Extremely lightweight at 6 kg, with a robust design for harsh environments and a shoulder strap for easy transport.
- Überhitzungsschutz: Increases component lifespan.
- IP23-Bewertung: Ensures safe operation in various work environments.
2. Sicherheitshinweise
Sicherheit hat beim Bedienen von Schweißgeräten stets oberste Priorität. Die Nichtbeachtung der Sicherheitsrichtlinien kann zu schweren Verletzungen oder zum Tod führen.
- Elektrischer Schock: Welding current can cause fatal electric shock. Do not touch live electrical parts. Wear dry, insulating gloves and clothing.
- Dämpfe und Gase: Welding fumes and gases can be hazardous to your health. Ensure adequate ventilation or use a fume extractor.
- Lichtbogenstrahlen: Arc rays can injure eyes and burn skin. Wear a welding helmet with appropriate shade filter and protective clothing.
- Feuer und Explosion: Schweißen kann Brände oder Explosionen verursachen. Halten Sie brennbare Materialien vom Schweißbereich fern. Halten Sie einen Feuerlöscher griffbereit.
- Heiße Teile: Welding equipment and workpiece can become hot. Allow them to cool before handling.
- Handbuch lesen: Always read and understand the entire instruction manual before installation, operation, or maintenance.
3. Packungsinhalt
Prüfen Sie beim Auspacken, ob alle Komponenten vorhanden und unbeschädigt sind:
- ESAB Buddy Tig 160 Welding Machine
- TIG Torch (ET 17) - 4 meters
- MMA Welding Cable Kit - 3 meters (includes electrode holder and earth clamp)
4. Einrichtung
Follow these steps to set up your ESAB Buddy Tig 160 welding machine:
- Auspacken: Nehmen Sie das Gerät und sämtliches Zubehör vorsichtig aus der Verpackung. Prüfen Sie es auf Transportschäden.
- Platzierung: Place the welding machine on a stable, level surface, ensuring adequate ventilation around the unit. Do not block the cooling vents.
- Stromanschluss: Connect the machine's power cord to a suitable power outlet. Ensure the power supply matches the machine's requirements (refer to specifications).
- Masseanschluss: Verbinden Sie die Erdungsklemmeamp cable to the designated ground terminal on the machine. Securely attach the earth clamp zum Werkstück oder Schweißtisch, um einen guten elektrischen Kontakt zu gewährleisten.
- Torch/Electrode Holder Connection:
- Für WIG-Schweißen: Connect the TIG torch to the appropriate gas and power connections on the front panel. Ensure the gas hose is connected to a suitable shielding gas cylinder (e.g., Argon) with a regulator.
- For MMA Welding: Schließen Sie das Kabel des Elektrodenhalters an den Pluspol (+) und den Erdungsanschluss an.amp cable to the negative (-) terminal for most common electrodes. Consult electrode manufacturer specifications for polarity.

Front view of the ESAB Buddy Tig 160 welding machine, showcasing its compact design, control panel, and connection points for welding cables and torch.
5. Bedienungsanleitung
5.1. TIG Welding (GTAW)
The Buddy Tig 160 offers excellent performance for TIG welding of carbon steel and stainless steel alloys. The High Frequency (HF) start ensures clean arc initiation without contaminating the tungsten electrode or the workpiece.
- Select TIG Mode: Use the control panel to select the TIG welding mode.
- Gasanschluss: Ensure the shielding gas (Argon recommended) is connected and flowing at the correct rate. The machine's integrated gas valve automatically controls gas flow.
- Aktuellen Wert einstellen: Adjust the welding current using the single control knob to suit your material thickness and joint type.
- 2T/4T-Funktion: The machine features 2-stroke (2T) and 4-stroke (4T) trigger modes. Select the appropriate mode for your welding procedure:
- 2T (Two-Stroke): Press and hold the trigger to start the arc and weld. Release the trigger to stop.
- 4T (Four-Stroke): Press and release the trigger to start the arc. Press and release again to stop. This mode is useful for longer welds to reduce hand fatigue.
- Pre-Gas and Ramp Funktionen: The machine automatically manages pre-gas flow and current ramp-down functions, ensuring high-quality starts and finishes to your welds.
- Schweißen: Position the torch, initiate the arc, and proceed with welding. Maintain proper arc length and travel speed.

Nahaufnahme view of the TIG welding torch (ET 17), highlighting its ergonomic handle and ceramic nozzle, ready for connection to the welding machine.
5.2. MMA Welding (SMAW)
The Buddy Tig 160 also excels in MMA welding, providing a strong and stable DC (Direct Current) arc. It can weld with many types of electrodes and on most metals, including carbon steel, alloy steels, stainless steels, and cast iron.
- Select MMA Mode: Switch the machine to MMA welding mode.
- Elektrode einsetzen: Securely insert the appropriate electrode into the electrode holder.
- Aktuellen Wert einstellen: Adjust the welding current using the single control knob based on the electrode diameter and material thickness.
- HotStart and ArcForce: The HotStart and ArcForce functions are automatically regulated according to the selected welding intensity. These features provide excellent arc initiation and consistent welding performance throughout the entire intensity range of the machine.
- Schweißen: Strike the arc and maintain a consistent arc length and travel speed for optimal results.
5.3. Systemsteuerung
The control panel of the Buddy Tig 160 is designed for simplicity and ease of use. It features a single knob for adjusting welding intensity. Additionally, there is a button for regulating the progressive current ramp-down in TIG mode or for adjusting the ArcForce function in MMA mode.
6. Wartung
Regelmäßige Wartung gewährleistet die Langlebigkeit und optimale Leistung Ihrer Schweißmaschine.
- Reinigung: Periodically clean the exterior of the machine. Use compressed air to blow out dust and debris from the cooling vents. Ensure the machine is unplugged before cleaning.
- Kabelinspektion: Regularly inspect all welding cables, torch, and electrode holder for signs of wear, cuts, or damage. Replace damaged components immediately.
- Lüfterbetrieb: The internal electronics are cooled by a high-efficiency fan. Ensure the fan is operating correctly and not obstructed. The machine is equipped with a thermal protection system to prevent damage from overheating.
- Lagerung: Bewahren Sie das Gerät bei Nichtgebrauch in einer trockenen, sauberen Umgebung auf.
7. Fehlerbehebung
Dieser Abschnitt bietet Lösungen für häufig auftretende Probleme.
| Problem | Mögliche Ursache | Lösung |
|---|---|---|
| Maschine lässt sich nicht einschalten | No power supply; Faulty power cord; Internal fuse blown | Check power outlet and circuit breaker; Inspect power cord; Contact qualified service personnel. |
| Kein Schweißlichtbogen | Poor earth connection; Incorrect welding mode; Faulty torch/electrode holder; Incorrect current setting | Ensure good earth clamp contact; Verify correct mode selection; Check torch/holder for damage; Adjust current setting. |
| Arc is unstable or weak | Falscher Strom/Voltage; Dirty workpiece; Worn electrode/tungsten; Poor cable connections | Adjust settings; Clean workpiece; Replace electrode/tungsten; Check all cable connections. |
| Machine overheats (thermal protection light on) | Überschreitung des Betriebszyklus; Blockierte Belüftung; Hohe Umgebungstemperatur | Allow machine to cool down; Clear any obstructions from vents; Operate in a cooler environment. |
If the problem persists after attempting these solutions, please contact ESAB customer support or a qualified service technician.
8. Spezifikationen
| Spezifikation | Wert |
|---|---|
| Hersteller | ESAB |
| Modellnummer | 0700300681 |
| Technische Daten | 31 x 14 x 23 cm |
| Produktgewicht | 6 kg |
| Stromquelle | DC (Gleichstrom) |
| Schutzklasse | IP23 |
| Im Lieferumfang enthaltene Komponenten | TIG Torch (ET 17) 4m, MMA Welding & Return Cable Kit 3m |
9. Garantie und Support
ESAB products are manufactured to high standards and are backed by a manufacturer's warranty. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official ESAB webWebsite.
For technical support, service, or spare parts, please contact your local ESAB distributor or customer service center. Ensure you have your product model number (0700300681) and serial number (if applicable) ready when contacting support.





